Greetings from Seattle's Sister Cities Association and the Office of Intergovernmental Relations!

Why do Sister City relationships matter? The Seattle Sister Cities program provides opportunities for establishing meaningful and lasting global friendships, partnerships, and connections. As Nelson Mandela stated during his address to the UN General Assembly, "the reality can no longer be ignored that we live in an interdependent world which is bound together to a common destiny." People-to-people relationships not only enhance our lives, but represent our best hope for peace and prosperity in the future. Sister Cities programs help generate economic opportunities, raise awareness of global issues, promote greater participation in international dialogue and exchange, and by doing so, build and strengthen bridges of mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation.

Highlight

Click here to view a four-part series of specials highlighting Seattle Sister Cities. Visit Nantes, France; Christchurch, New Zealand; Perugia, Italy; and Reykjavik, Iceland. With Mike James and Susan Han as your guide, learn what these diverse cities have to offer to the modern traveler, and see what Seattle has in common with her "sisters" around the world.